[djw]

What would cause my parking brake light to stay on even when released? It does lose a little of it's brightness when the brake is released, but not much. I have removed the switch from the pedal assembly and worked it by hand, but the results are the same. Any ideas?

 

[John_Muha]

I'm too lazy to pull out the schematics but there should be a wire running under the hood, left side. On a disc brake car it goes down to the combo (prop) valve. Try pulling off that wire and see if the light goes out. If so that's what is tripping the light. Brake fluid problems?
John

 

[djw]

Thanks, John. I'll try that tomorrow. Just got the elky last month and the light has been on since I bought it. The previous owner didn't have a clue (like me).

I've had no problems with the brakes. In fact, I had them checked out when I changed the "glass paks" to turbo mufflers.

 

[djw]

OK John. I finally removed the wire and the light went out...but, now I'm worried. Do I have a problem with my brakes that doesn't show up right now, but will eventually? Anybody got any advice?

 

[John_Muha]

The piston in the combo valve may be to one side. Pick up the Haynes manual ($15.00). It has drawing of the valve and a good explanation of how the valve works. In the front of the valve there is a rubber grommet. Remove that and clamp down the pin. Bleed the front brakes again. See if that returns the piston to center. Next try the rear. If no luck, well....It's valve time.

 

[djw]

I am a complete novice when it comes to brakes. Too important to my safety for me to mess with. It's going to the shop. In the meantime, the wire was really difficult to remove. Kinda like a right angle plug wire boot. I tried to get it back on but gave up for a while. Engine was warm.

Will it cause any problem to leave it off until I get the elky to the brake shop?

 

[John_Muha]

I'm a novice too. Don't want to be a professional. No leaving the wire off won't hurt. But what I suggested is not hard to try. Pick up a book and give it a shot. You have nothing to loss except time. Expect the bill from the shop to be a little higher than I would like. And yes, I could afford it but if I mess things up, well at least I tried. A lot of guys here to talk you through it.

 

[ChicagoChevelle68]

What comes to mind is that the plunger switch activated by the pedal for your parking brake is sticking. Look under the dash where the pedal pushes against the white plunger button. A slight squrt of WD40
would free its motion. Also lubricate the pivot point of the pedal, as it also might be sticking and and fully releasing the plunger.

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Joe G.
ChicagoChevelle68
Any car past 1972 is just simply transportation, really!

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